Homer and Emmy Lou were courting on the front porch swing. Now Homer was very much in love with his beautiful Emmy Lou. However, he was shy and often had difficulty mustering up the courage to express his love. Aware of his inability, he tried to express his affection with flowery words. “Emmy Lou, if I had a thousand eyes, they would all be looking at you. Emmy Lou, if I had a thousand arms, they would all be hugging you. Emmy Lou, if I had a thousand lips, they would all be kissing you!”
Emmy Lou looked at Homer and replied, “Homer, stop complaining about what you don’t have and start using what you do have!”
We often miss opportunities to be a blessing in God’s Kingdom. Like Homer, focusing on our inadequacies, we do nothing; imprisoned by the fear of failure. The “If only I had… I would” mentality can never minister to a pressing need in our church family. And a lost world hungers for just one morsel of bread. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially those of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
When faced with the task of leading Israel out of Egypt and confronting Pharaoh, Moses began to inform God that maybe he had chosen the wrong man for the job. God knows all about our human limitations before He calls us. God demonstrated to Moses that the rod in his hand would be used to convince the Israelites that Moses was called of God to be their leader.
Forty years in the desert as a shepherd apparently didn’t do much for his self-confidence when it came to facing Pharaoh. Interestingly, the Scripture declares, “Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.” (Acts 7:22) Finally, after hearing Moses’ excuses, God simply said, “No therefore go.” Surrender what you have to Me… I’ll take care of the rest.
A handful of meal and a little oil, a widow’s mite. The list goes on. Offer God what you have right now. He delights in multiplying what we bring. What blessings await those in need. You will trade frustration for satisfaction. “The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.” (Proverbs 13:19)
In the parable of the talents, (Matthew 25) each were given silver in varying amounts, according to their ability. Conversely, in the parable of the pounds, (Luke 19) each servant received the same amount. They were judged by their willingness to invest what they had.
Be faithful. God’s blessings come to those who act. Take that step of faith. A miracle is waiting on your limitations. Bring your barley loaves and fishes to Jesus. Use what you’ve got!
_Brother Christensen is the pastor of The United Pentecostal Church in Windsor, Ontario, Canada._
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Jacob was a man who was in perpetual motion. From the time he was born, he was always reaching for something that he did not have. In fact in the first phase of his life, he was always striving for his brother’s stuff. From his heel to his birthright, and finally the blessing that was meant for his brother. This striving was cause for much strife, until finally he found himself being driven from his mothers house. Running away from trouble.
So, how are you feeling today? Any aches or pains in the joints? Difficulty breathing? John, in writing to Gaius in 3 John, expresses particular concern for his physical wellbeing. In verse 2, he says, “I wish above all things that thou mayest *prosper and be in health*, even *as thy soul prospereth*.” Interesting, isn’t it, that John referred to Gaius’ spiritual condition as an issue of “health”? Not only that, but John implies that he is in a state of excellent spiritual well-being! I wonder how we would describe our own spiritual condition today?